AR/VR Startup uSens Secures $20M For Hand And Head Tracking Tech

Augmented and virtual reality startup uSensannounced yesterday that they have raised a $20 million USD A round led by Fosun Kinzon Capital, followed by returning investor Maison Capital and six new backers including Great Capital.

This new investment will help uSens launch their inside-out 26 DOF (degrees of freedom) hand tracking and 6DOF head tracking tools in 2016, according to a company statement. DOF refers to the freedom of movement in three-dimensional space, where a higher number indicates an increased flexibility in positioning.

Founded in 2013, uSens is principally engaged in designing gesture recognition and hand-and-head tracking technologies and 3D ‘Human Computer Interaction’ system design. The San Jose-based startup first attracted public attention in 2015 as the developer of wireless AR/VR headset Impression Pi, a Kickstarter hit which raised over $30 million USD.

uSens is now focussing on head and hand position tracking, aiming to replace the need for peripheral devices such as game controllers.

“For ARVR to achieve its potential, natural head and hand tracking is required,” said Donghui Pan, chairman and president of Fosun Kinzon Capital. “All consumers want a more immersive experience, and hand controllers simply aren’t the solution.”

“We see great potential in the future applications of uSens’ 3D HCI technology, from entertainment and gaming, to healthcare and behavioral therapy, to architecture, aeronautics, and education.” said Wenli Cui, founding partner of Maison Capital.

The current round would raise the company’s total funding to $26.7 million USD, following a $5.5 million USD Pre-A Series received in 2015 and a $1.2 million USD angel round received in 2014.